Are toolbox safety talks required? How to run a successful one

Businesses are legally required to ensure the health and safety of their workers, and toolbox safety talks are a popular and proven step in helping fulfil that requirement.

They provide an excellent forum for employers to fulfil their legal obligation of consulting with workers around situations which may affect their health and safety, according to SafeWork NSW.

They also provide workers with the opportunity to express their views, encourage safety hazard reporting and enable workers to contribute to any decisions relating to their health and safety – all critical OHS functions.

In fact, as an employer, you must consult workers on OHS matters such as:

The company’s Product Development Manager, Brad Rodgers, says the group has a number of prepared toolbox talks covering topics on eyes, ears, respiratory protection, height safety and more (see below).

However, toolbox talks cannot be generic and must be specific to a site’s requirements.

“We work with sites to understand their unique challenges or risks and then refine or develop one of our toolboxes specifically for that site.”

“For example, a lot of guys on site are wearing masks but they also have a beard. Our toolbox covers facial fit and the importance of a good seal and will demonstrate that if you are not clean shaven then you are not adequately protected.”

Request a Paramount Safety Toolbox Talk:

There is no charge for Paramount’s safety toolbox talks and they are not exclusive to Paramount customers. If you’re interested in improving safety systems in your workplace, contact us in the form below to request further information. Conditions apply.

“Our toolboxes are delivered by expert staff and category managers in metro and regional areas. We will come out and work with your management, safety officers and employees to help you ensure the correct safety systems,” Brad says.